Ketton Horticultural Society holds annual show

Ketton Horticultural Society held its annual show with some trepidation in the Hanson Cement works canteen, through the courtesy of Kent Stuehmer, Ketton works general manger, on Sunday, due to the normal venue, the primary school, still wilting under the unfinished alterations.

The venue proved to be ideal, and the support from not only the exhibitors, was heartening and gratifying to the societies organising committee.

Exhibits were of a high standard. The children’s and young people’s exhibits, which is always competitive, yet with a charming naivety, was dominated by families, Bell, Bolton, Bullimore, Durno, Hattee, Mahoney and the exceptionally talented Williams brothers.

The vegetable section had visitors gasping at the exhibits of the legendary Al Perna, although Monty Tyler, Steve Harris and Ketton’s own David Salmon featured highly.

David Heather and Vic Henry’s rivalry continued in the section dedicated to those vital food ingredient herbs, in which Vic gained first place, with David a creditable third, although David did triumph in the photographic section.

Home produce once again produced a close run contest between Jackie Epps and Honor Harris, which this year resulted in a tie for the president’s cup.

Art and handicrafts continue to amaze, with such talent as Shanna Hart, whose sketches almost come to life, the delicate, yet atmospheric paintings of Gillian Durno bringing a freshness to the occasion, along with Angela Firth’s dramatic renditions, winning her the trophy for most points in this sector. Mary Thompson’s knitting brought a breath of nostalgia to the show, winning her a first, second and third prize.

Burnice Henry has once again captured the floral art rose bowl, along with the Shelia Woolley tray for best arrangement, with Honor Harris clinching the KHS tray for best miniature.

Newcomers to the show have exceeded their own expectations, with Leslie Crowson producing outstanding entries in all sections, resulting in two trophies, Len Reed’s exhibits were outstanding, which won him the coveted KHS chrysanthemum cup, Michael Warrington, Ketton resident, excelled with his aptly named Ketton marmalade, plus capturing the prestigious Hewitt trophy for his orchids. Peter Lemmon’s second showing culminated in his capturing of the Frank Blake trophy.

A new trophy this year, the Vine House Farm bird food cup, kindly donated by Lucy Watts for most points in the photography section was scooped up by the society’s chairman Mark Bolton, and not to be outdone, the society’s president Steve Harris was presented with the KHS shield for the most points accrued by a Ketton resident.

Many thanks go to Hanson Cement, Clifford Daly, managing director of Catshill and owner of the Railway Inn, for arranging the transportation of the show benches and tables, ably carried out by his son Mark, the committee members and their spouses; raffle prize donors; members of the general public, not forgetting the ladies of the WI for providing delightful refreshments and the most important person of all, whose co-ordination and sterling efforts are much appreciated - the society’s hard working show secretary Anne Alderson.